What Can I Do?

Watch out for any out-of-character changes such as:

• Changes in Thinking
• Ceasing to care, feelings of hopelessness, personal loathing, excessive negativity, suicidal thoughts.
• Changes in Mood
• Downbeat, Night Terrors, sleeplessness, irritability, jumpiness and hyper sensitivity, anger or rage, experiencing flashbacks or recollections.
• Changes in behaviour
• Becoming Isolated or withdrawn, changes in personal hygiene, increased drinking or substance abuse, confusion.

If you recognise some, or all of these symptoms in yourself or family members and friends it is time to STOP, accept there could be a problem.

“I was so confused at times and everything seemed difficult.  The simplest of things required so much more thought and focus that I thought I was going mad.  I would easily fill up on stress throughout the day and they were actually simple things.  I knew it was time to STOP and get some help.  My memory was terrible and I was so worn out with it all.”  –  Former Royal Marine Sergeant

People say that a problem shared is a problem halved. Taking time to talk with fellow veterans about your experiences, feelings and emotions will allow you to begin to come to terms with what has happened to you, your experiences and your story.
Talking will allow you to realise that you are not alone in the feelings you are experiencing. Talking will allow the people around you to help and look for signs that you’re not happy. So, please TALK, you are not alone. It’s OK not to feel OK.

If talking about your experiences in the military has helped you and the people around you understand that you may need some assistance in overcoming how you feel then it is time to ACT.

Call your Doctor, contact other organisations that can provide you with the help you need.  Don’t let things get worse.  ACT NOW.

Some of the people around you may need some help as well, so for yourself, for them, you need to ACT.  Ask for, and accept, the help available.  Change is always possible.

Stand tall, make the call.

You will find that with professional help and with time that the real you remains beneath your Injury. The strength of mind that you had at the start of your Military career, still burns within. You must first ensure that you are receiving treatment that works for you! Then with time and small steps you must RE-FOCUS. Inspire yourself and others with creative and adventurous challenge. Re awaken the positive, driven, ambitious and courageous YOU that LIVES within. Challenge yourself!!

“Standing on the top of Mt Kilimanjaro at dawn was not something i achieved physically, it was only possible because of mental strength due to the altitude. Everything i was told was broken was still alive” – Jamie , former Royal Marine Sergeant.

Inspire yourself and others with new, creative and adventurous challenges, set goals and join in with life. A brain injury does not mean you give up, a brain injury means you train the brain to conquer.

“Amazing things will happen in the company of amazing people.”